Yesterday I hung out with a group of 12 architects during an Employee Caregiver Event at Cuningham Group Architecture Inc.  We practiced doing qigong, which are gentle movements with slow breathing.  Qigong is beneficial during times when we feel energetically depleted, stressed and needing self-care.  Even our crazy winter of fluctuating temps can take a toll on our sense of well-being.  Hope everyone is practicing some form of self-care.   ..read more

Yesterday’s 54 degree temp in January inspired me to do some tai chi in the park at the spur of the moment. Check out my bare feet! Connecting to the earth, sunlight and fresh air helps on so many levels, even down to the cellular level.   ..read more

While walking along my neighborhood lake a few years back I saw this painted rock with the message of “Choose Joy”.   How is this message related to my tai chi?   For me, tai chi brings me joy.  It’s slow deep breath work and gentle movements relax my mind and body.  I feel more energized.  Doing anything out of joy will restore a person’s sense of well-being because we get positive vibes from it.  When our energy is high, we attract people and situations that are also on a higher energy vibration.  In this New Year I choose joy over stress and worries.  ..read more

As we approach the shortest day of the year remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson quoted, "When it gets dark enough, you can see the stars."  This quote is a reminder to me that no matter how dark and dismal life can seem, there is a way to embrace the lightness of life.  Tai chi is one way that by which I keep myself light mentally as well as more relaxed and healthy physically.  Wishing everyone a sense of well-being during the Holidays.  Happy Winter Solstice too ..read more

How do you let go of sorrow, loss, expectations and stress?  Recently I went to the beach.  It was a means of self-care.  When I can't go to an actual beach, doing my tai chi often leaves me feeling like I did.  Treat yourself to a self-care day!  ..read more

At any age it is very healthy to breathe fresh air and to physically move daily. Viruses and other pathogens are less likely to survive in a well-oxygenated body.  Movement is important to keep our muscles, joints, bones and circulatory systems functioning better.  These seniors were excited to be able to do qigong movements in the fresh September air.   ..read more

This small group of seniors is teaching me so much about resilience as we age. They are in wheel chairs, use walkers, have physical injuries and memory loss, but they keep showing up to do gentle qigong movements. I’m so honored to be in their presence. In China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Asian communities in the U.S. you can see groups of people doing tai chi in the parks.  It is said that as we age our energy diminishes. We are prone to more falls and mobility issues. Keeping our bodies moving and well-oxygenated is especially important as we age.    ..read more

I have written often about quieting the mind to achieve mental or emotional balance.   One of the benefits of tai chi is also to improve physical balance so that people can prevent falls.  There have been studies on the benefits of tai chi for improving physical balance, especially among the elderly.   Tai chi focuses on rooting, suspending and alignment of the body.  When we have our head upright and our feet planted firmly on the ground with our weight sunk into our feet we are in a better position to work with, instead of against, our gravitational force.  Paying ..read more

The early tai chi and qigong practitioners observed nature.  Slowing down to observe the natural world can bring great peace and joy!  For me, watching Momma duck and her ducklings was as rejuvenating and magical as doing my tai chi outdoor.  Life doesn't have to be as complicated as my mind tricks me into believing.  As I watched Momma and her ducklings float effortlessly, I realized that we all too can float effortlessly in the midst of life.  It doesn't mean that there won't be poor air quality days, or other hardships to face, but rather if we can learn to be ..read more

When practicing tai chi, as with all things we engage in, our mindset is the key.  Sometimes I practice out of obligation so I can check off tai chi from my to-do-list for the day.  Yes, it feels good to check it off.  Yes, I do feel the relaxation and calmness, but only for a few hours versus when I am fully present during my practice, I feel relaxed and calm the entire day, even through my night’s sleep.  My 24 hours flow more sweetly and I am less reactive or restless when my mind and body are relaxed.   When I truly dedicate my attention to my tai chi practice I a ..read more